In 1540 Vasari bought the house situated in Via XX Settembre, 55 when it was still being built. He himself was responsible for the project, the decorations and furnishings and today is a good example of Tuscan mannerist style.

In 1548 the two-storey house was ready and in 1550 was all complete in its details when he married Nicolosa Bacci. But Vasari couldn't live there for long, as he constantly had to move to Florence and Rome, following his protectors' wishes and carrying out his works. In 1554 Vasari definitevely settled in Florence with his wife where he lived for twenty years, till his death. In this house he used to keep his collection of works of art. The house was enlarged in the XIXth century and was used as a private residence until last century.

In 1955 it was restored and became a museum, containing an archive with letters by Michelangelo , Pius V and Cosmo I, XVIth century Tuscan paintings, frescoes and protraits by Vasari, a model of the Palazzo delle Logge and works by Flemish artists. The façade you can now see is not exactly as it was in Vasari's time: there was a staircase outside on the right of the present entrance door and two more doors were later opened.